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The Best Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce: Sweet, Tangy, and Smoky

Close-up of thick, dark, glossy homemade bbq sauce swirled in a small white ramekin dish.
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Make the best BBQ sauce at home with this simple, quick recipe. This sweet and tangy sauce uses common ingredients and is perfect for grilling, dipping, or coating meat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
  2. Whisk the mixture until the brown sugar dissolves and everything is well mixed.
  3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
  6. Transfer the homemade BBQ sauce to an airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before using.
  7. Store the sauce in the refrigerator. It tastes best after resting for at least one hour.

Notes

  • For a smoky BBQ sauce flavor, increase the smoked paprika to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, add 1 tablespoon of water while simmering.
  • This recipe makes a great copycat BBQ sauce base; adjust sugar or vinegar to match your favorite store-bought brand.
  • This versatile sauce is excellent for grilling sauce ideas or as a dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/easy-homemade-bbq-sauce-recipe/